Should I take my big camera on today’s hike? I floated this question around in my mind at 4:30am in the dark before heading to Sunrise at Mt. Rainier. I don’t enjoy carrying it, but what if I see wildlife? I’m glad I decided to bring it along, it came in very handy!
Boots on trail before 6:30 am, knowing it would be hot and crowded later in the morning. Once I got to the Frozen Lake trail junction, I decided on the Fremont Lookout tower, since glimpses north showed layered mountains toward Glacier Peak and I knew I would get beautiful photos from that vantage point. I saw a solitary mountain goat on the way, far below me, and figured that would be my single wildlife sighting for the day.
The trail from Frozen Lake to the Fremont Lookout is not for anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights. It’s a good trail, but can make a person feel wobbly during some sections.
It was extremely windy at the lookout, but that thankfully kept the insects away. I had a few minutes to myself there before other hikers also showed up, and we spent a half-hour in easy conversation before I headed back down. The layers from the lookout tower were incredible, with views of The Enchantments, Mt. Stuart, Glacier Peak, and the tip of Mt. Baker. Also a wonderful view down to Grand Park.
Heading back toward Frozen Lake, I spotted a herd of Mountain goats just above me on the trail, and we paralleled each other for at least 1/4 mile, always keeping a good distance. This is where I was so thankful to have my camera with zoom lens, glad I decided to bring it along. This time of year they’re shedding last winter’s coat and will soon grow out a new long coat for the upcoming winter. This herd had 2 youngsters that were so fun to watch!
From Frozen Lake I debated which route to take back to Sunrise, and decided on Shadow Lake where bears sometimes like to spend time. I had a nice conversation with marmot for a few minutes, while swatting mosquitoes. Coming around a bend, I got to spend about 10 minutes watching a juvenile black bear foraging, with nobody else nearby. I was far enough away to be safe, again using my zoom lens. Mosquitoes were fierce and relentless every time I would stop, but trading a few pints of blood for good bear photos was a fair exchange.
Overall, a wonderful day. The kind of day that makes getting up at 4:30 am worth it.